LUK OF LOVE: Everton last night sealed the club record £28m signing of Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku [GETTY]

Lukaku last night completed a permanent switch away from Stamford Bridge, after Everton agreed to stump up a club record £28m fee for him.

The Belgium international, who penned a five-year deal worth around £70,000-a-week at Goodison Park, enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with the Toffees last season netting 16 times.

Many expected Lukaku to be involved in Mourinho's first-team plans ahead of the new campaign and link up with fellow forwards Diego Costa, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres.

But the Chelsea boss has suggested the 21-year-old's unwillingness to fight for a starting spot sparked his exit from the club.

"The thinking was, first of all, the fact that Romelu was always very clear with us that in his mentality and his approach he was not highly motivated to come to a competitive situation at Chelsea," Mourinho said.

UNWILLING: Jose Mourinho claims Lukaku was not willing to fight for his place at Chelsea [GETTY]

“He wanted to play for Chelsea but clearly only as the first choice striker - and at a club of our dimension it's very difficult to promise a player that status”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

"He wanted to play for Chelsea but clearly only as the first choice striker - and at a club of our dimension it's very difficult to promise a player that status.

"That reduced, immediately, his desire to come to us. After that Everton came with an important offer and because we want to be inside the Financial Fair Play rules, you have to analyse these situations."

The deal for Lukaku soars above Everton's previous record outlay set by Marouane Fellaini's £15m arrival from Standard Liege in 2008.

Lukaku also joins fellow former loanee Gareth Barry in making a permanent switch to the club.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has now splashed out £34m on improving his squad ahead of the new season.

Ferencvaros midfielder Muhamed Besic completed his switch to Merseyside earlier this week, while England star Ross Barkley has also signed a new long-term contract to stay with the Toffees.